02/04/2023  Shatin  Race 3

As the start was effected, TURIN REDSUN sat back in its barrier and as a result jumped awkwardly and lost ground. SPIRITED EXPRESS jumped only fairly. In the early stages, BOURBONAIRE raced keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. After the 300 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE became held up behind ALL FOR ST PAUL’S before shifting to the outside of ALL FOR ST PAUL’S and BOURBONAIRE where it secured clear running near the 200 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, CALIFORNIA TEN was inclined to lay in towards SPIRITED EXPRESS which resulted in its rider, Z Purton, having to stop riding and straighten his mount for a short distance. When questioned regarding his riding of LOOKING GREAT, S De Sousa stated that his instructions were to endeavour to find cover. He said when LOOKING GREAT jumped well, he endeavoured to find the position in advance of CALIFORNIA TEN, however, when its rider, Z Purton, held his position one-off and to the inside of LOOKING GREAT, he was obliged to steady his mount and obtain a position at the rear of the field to comply with his instructions. When questioned if there was an opportunity to hold a position outside the lead, S De Sousa stated that whilst he identified the pace was only moderate in the early stages, he was ensuring he complied with his instructions and therefore elected to obtain cover on LOOKING GREAT. S De Sousa further stated that when he placed LOOKING GREAT under pressure in the Straight, it responded only fairly to his riding and, in his opinion, was somewhat disappointing. A Badel, the rider of SPIRITED EXPRESS, was fined the sum of $10,000 for using the whip on numerous occasions forward of the saddle in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection of TURIN REDSUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA TEN, SPIRITED EXPRESS and AMAZING VICTORY were sent for sampling.